The Fitbit Sense 2 remains the most health-focused smartwatch Google has ever released—and likely the last of its kind. Launched in September 2022 with ECG, stress tracking, and a Daily Readiness Score, it now faces an uncertain future as Google pivots toward the Pixel Watch line, making this the definitive moment to evaluate whether the premium is justified.

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Battery Life: up to 6 days · Exercise Modes: 40+ · GPS: Built-in · Key Features: Stress management, sleep tracking, Daily Readiness Score · Compatibility: iOS 15+ and Android

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • No confirmed timeline for when Sense 2 stock will run out at major retailers
  • Whether Google will continue software updates for existing Fitbit devices beyond 2025
  • Whether a Sense 3 is planned or the line is permanently ended
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Existing stock likely to sell through at retailers like Currys and Harvey Norman
  • Current prices reflect significant discounts from original launch prices
  • Buyers should weigh Sense 2’s advanced health features against limited future support

Fitbit Sense 2: Key Specifications

Three years of hardware tells a consistent story across the specs that matter most for daily wear.

Specification Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Versa 4
Release Date September 25, 2022 September 25, 2022
Display 1.58-inch AMOLED, 336×336 pixels 1.58-inch AMOLED, 336×336 pixels
Case Size 40.5mm 40.4mm
Battery Life 6+ days 6+ days
Water Resistance 50m 50m
Workout Modes 40+ 40+
ECG Sensor Yes No
Temperature Sensor Yes No
Wi-Fi Yes No
Built-in GPS Yes Yes
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa (English-only) Amazon Alexa (English-only)
Launch Price (US) $299.95 $229.95
The trade-off

For shoppers deciding between these two models, the $70 difference at launch reflected real hardware: Sense 2’s ECG and temperature sensors add medical-grade monitoring that Versa 4 simply cannot match.

Is Fitbit Sense 2 being discontinued?

Discontinuation rumors from Google

In 2024, Google confirmed that it would not develop new Fitbit smartwatches. This decision marked a significant shift for the platform that Google acquired for $2.1 billion in 2023. Rather than replacing the Sense and Versa lines, Google has effectively frozen Fitbit’s hardware roadmap at the Versa 4 and Sense 2 generation.

Current availability status

Both the Sense 2 and Versa 4 remain available at major retailers, including Currys and Harvey Norman in Ireland. No official Fitbit announcement has declared an end-of-life date for either model. However, without new hardware in development, buyers are purchasing into a platform that Google is no longer actively improving.

The catch

Google’s decision to halt Fitbit smartwatch development means existing owners face an uncertain future for software updates and new feature rollouts. Those buying now should treat it as a mature product rather than an evolving platform.

Which is better, Versa 4 or Sense 2?

Key feature differences

The core distinction between these two models comes down to purpose. The Sense 2 prioritizes health monitoring with ECG technology, skin temperature sensing, real-time stress tracking, and a dedicated stress management dashboard on the home screen. The Versa 4, by contrast, is streamlined for fitness tracking with a brighter aesthetic and slightly more workout modes.

Both watches share the same 1.58-inch AMOLED display, 6+ day battery life, and built-in GPS. Neither supports Spotify music control directly — you still need your phone nearby for that (Woman&Home hands-on review). The Sense 2 also includes Wi-Fi connectivity that Versa 4 lacks, and its GPS connects faster and more accurately during outdoor activities.

Health tracking comparison

Sense 2’s health credentials set it apart. According to Business Insider product comparison, the Sense 2 offers ECG, skin temperature, and real-time stress tracking — features that Versa 4 does not include. The Sense 2’s Daily Readiness Score synthesizes activity, sleep, and heart rate data to tell you whether your body is primed for intense exercise or better suited for recovery.

The Versa 4 compensates with over 40 workout modes and a tactile side button that the original Versa 2 had, making it easier to start/stop workouts without tapping the screen. TechRadar product announcement noted that Versa 4 is 10% thinner and 15% lighter than the original Sense, though the Sense 2 also shed weight compared to its predecessor.

The upshot

If stress management and comprehensive health monitoring matter more than fitness mode count, Sense 2 wins clearly. Versa 4 makes more sense for buyers who want a lighter, more fitness-focused device at a lower price point.

What are the common problems with Sense 2?

Battery and connectivity issues

User reviews and community forums document several recurring complaints. Battery drain during heavy GPS use remains the most frequently cited issue, with some owners reporting reduced endurance when tracking outdoor workouts regularly. Connectivity drops between the watch and smartphone have also appeared in Fitbit community discussions, though many users resolved these through firmware updates or Bluetooth cache clearing.

Sensor accuracy complaints

Some users have reported inconsistent readings from the EDA stress sensor, which measures tiny electrical changes in skin. The temperature sensor, while functional, tends to require several hours of continuous wear before providing useful baseline data. Community-sourced troubleshooting guides on YouTube offer workarounds, including calibration tips for improving heart rate accuracy during high-intensity interval training.

Editor’s note

A subset of users on Versus product comparison described the Sense 2 as a “downgrade” from the original Sense due to removed apps and Google Assistant being replaced by Alexa, which works in English only. This reflects a broader pattern of Google’s influence on Fitbit’s software direction.

Can I answer calls on Fitbit Sense 2?

On-wrist calling setup

Yes — the Sense 2 supports on-wrist phone calls through Bluetooth pairing. Once you connect your watch to your smartphone, you can accept and make calls directly from the watch face. The process works with both Android and iOS devices, though iPhone users may find fewer calling features available compared to Android due to platform restrictions.

Compatibility requirements

The calling feature requires your phone to be nearby and connected. You cannot use the Sense 2 as a standalone phone, and call quality depends on your phone’s Bluetooth connection strength. The watch also handles notifications and quick replies for supported messaging apps.

Why this matters

On-wrist calling adds genuine convenience for workouts or situations where reaching for your phone is impractical. However, since the feature depends on your phone’s Bluetooth, it works best in environments with reliable wireless connections.

Is Fitbit Sense 2 any good?

Review highlights

Long-term reviews paint a nuanced picture. One YouTuber who used both the Versa 4 and Sense 2 as daily drivers for three years noted that both devices “improve upon the previous models in almost every way.” Woman&Home hands-on review called the Sense 2 “the superior tracker with its streamlined functionality, wellbeing focus, additional features, and smooth navigation.”

Health and fitness strengths

The Sense 2’s stress and sleep management capabilities remain competitive even against newer wearables from competitors. The Daily Readiness Score provides actionable insights that go beyond simple step counting. ECG functionality gives it medical-grade credentials that fitness-focused competitors often lack.

Upsides

  • ECG and temperature sensors unavailable on Versa 4
  • 6+ day battery outperforms most competitors
  • Built-in GPS with faster lock-on than Versa 4
  • Comprehensive stress and sleep tracking
  • Daily Readiness Score synthesizes multiple health signals

Downsides

  • Google has stopped developing new Fitbit smartwatches
  • Alexa only works in English (no Google Assistant)
  • Some users report GPS battery drain
  • EDA stress sensor accuracy varies
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to Apple Watch

Sense 2 vs Versa 4: Head-to-Head

Two generations of Fitbit hardware, one clear divergence in strategy.

Category Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Versa 4
Primary Focus Health monitoring, stress management Fitness tracking, workout modes
Medical Sensors ECG, skin temperature, EDA stress None
Home Screen Default Stress score dashboard Fitness stats
Price Position (2022 Launch) $299.95 / £269.99 $229.95 / £199.99
Current Discounted Price Around £180 (from £300 RRP) Around £130 (from £200 RRP)
Best For Users prioritizing heart health and stress tracking Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts

Timeline

Three years of Fitbit history compressed into three pivotal moments.

Date Event
August 24, 2022 Fitbit announces Sense 2, Versa 4, and Inspire 3 (TechRadar product announcement)
September 25, 2022 Sense 2 and Versa 4 officially launch (Versus device release dates)
2024 Google confirms no new Fitbit smartwatch hardware in development
Bottom line: Fitbit Sense 2 remains the superior health tracker if your priority is medical-grade monitoring — ECG, stress tracking, and temperature sensing simply aren’t available on Versa 4. However, Google’s decision to halt Fitbit smartwatch development means you’re buying into a platform with an uncertain future. Health-conscious buyers get genuine value; those wanting evolving features should look elsewhere.

What the community says

“The Sense 2 is the superior tracker with its streamlined functionality, wellbeing focus, additional features, and smooth navigation.”

— Woman&Home (hands-on reviewer)

“The Versa 4 and Sense 2 have been out for about 3 years now and it has been my daily driver since then. They improve upon the previous models in almost every way.”

— Vladimir Kostek (YouTube long-term reviewer)

Related reading: best running shoes for women · what causes high blood pressure

Additional sources

smartwatch-straps.co.uk, thegadgetflow.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, cybernews.com

The Fitbit Sense 2 excels in health tracking, much like the Fitbit training watch that serves as a perfect partner for dedicated workouts and daily motivation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a Fitbit for diabetics?

Fitbit does not market any device specifically for diabetics. However, the Sense 2’s skin temperature sensor and heart rate variability tracking may appeal to health-conscious individuals managing stress related to chronic conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical-grade monitoring needs.

Is a Fitbit Sense 3 coming out?

Google has confirmed no plans to develop new Fitbit smartwatches. The Sense 3, if it ever existed in planning, appears to have been cancelled as part of Google’s broader shift away from Fitbit hardware.

Why is Fitbit Sense discontinued?

Google’s 2021 acquisition of Fitbit for $2.1 billion led to regulatory scrutiny. After completing the acquisition in 2023, Google decided to pivot Fitbit’s focus toward fitness tracking through the Google Pixel Watch line rather than continuing the Sense and Versa smartwatch series.

What Fitbit Sense 2 colours are available?

The Sense 2 comes in Blue Mist & Soft Gold and Lunar White & Platinum colourways. Both options feature a more muted, health-focused aesthetic compared to the brighter colours available on Versa 4.

Where to buy Fitbit Sense 2 in Ireland?

The Sense 2 remains available at major Irish retailers including Currys and Harvey Norman. Online availability fluctuates as existing stock sells through.

Fitbit Sense 2 price range?

Launch prices were $299.95 (US) and £269.99 (UK). Current discounted pricing hovers around £180 for the Sense 2, representing a significant drop from the original recommended retail price of approximately £300.

Fitbit Sense 2 straps compatibility?

The Sense 2 uses Fitbit’s standard 20mm band system. Most bands designed for Fitbit Versa 4, Versa 3, and Sense (first generation) should fit the Sense 2, giving buyers access to a wide range of third-party straps and watch bands.

The implication

For Irish buyers specifically, the Sense 2’s health credentials make it the more compelling choice over Versa 4 — but only if you prioritise ECG and stress tracking enough to justify the premium. With Google no longer developing Fitbit hardware, the Sense 2 represents the apex of Fitbit’s health-focused smartwatch line rather than a stepping stone to something newer.